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A whole crew of new and old children’s characters are getting into the green and healthy business, with companies licensing their images to sell everything from baby carrots, clementines and grapes to organic cereal and pastas designed specifically for children.

Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Square Pants currently adorns bags of spinach, organic frozen edamame and more recently white and yellow plums.

His fellow Nickelodeon cartoon character, Dora the Explorer hawking pears, apples and baby carrots. And the letter of the day is “O” for organic for Sesame Street’s Elmo, Cookie Monster and Big Bird, whose toothless smiles grace boxes of organic alphabet pasta, cereal, crackers and cookies.

Though it’s a fraction of the $45 billion entertainment licensing industry, the use of characters from well-known children’s programs to sell organic, natural or healthy food products is a growing niche populated by major companies including Disney and smaller corporations such as the Melville-based Hain Celestial Group, which has been in the natural and organic industry for over a decade.

Many of the companies that own these characters will be at the Licensing International Expo 2007, scheduled to run Tuesday through Thursday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

FreshPlaza

Ever wonder whether those dollars that you’re spending on advertising are doing their job? If you believe the most recent study issued by the Interactive Advertising Bureau, they’re not. The trade association says that advertisers waste $220 billion annually buying messages that reach the wrong audiences, or no audience at all. (I, of course, would be more than happy to be a completely captivated audience for even a tiny fraction of all those wasted billions — just in case any advertisers or agencies want to divert a few of those dollars my way.)

The reason? According to the folks at Copernicus Marketing Consulting it’s because companies fail to do proper research and planning before ponying up the big bucks for an ad campaign.

“When it comes to advertising, executives inexplicably abandon their usual business practices,” said Kevin Clancy, chairman and CEO. “They rely on advertising agencies to tell them how to spend their money — instead of vice versa.”

ThePbj

1. Prepare. Do plenty of research on the business and personal etiquette of the particular country you are planning to visit. Purchase a travel book for the country you are going to visit and remember: The Internet is your friend.

2. Learn key phrases. It’s always a smart move to learn several key phrases in the language of the country you’ll visit. It’s a nice way to bridge the gap between cultures — and natives will appreciate the attempt.

3. Leave the attitude at home. Americans sometimes assume superior attitudes when interacting with foreign cultures — for them it is “our way is the best way.” Ditch this stance quickly — you could be ignored or met with disapproval.

4. Blend in. In general, Americans dress differently, speak loudly and have distinct accents — so it’s best to try not to stand out more than you already will.

Business cards
The business card exchange is extremely important in Japan — almost ceremonial. Always give business cards with two hands and make a point to admire and examine the card. The more time you spend looking at it indicates the more respect you have for the person. In Italy, do not exchange business cards at social occasions; it is the norm at business functions and meetings.

Alcohol at meals
In Australia, alcohol is discouraged at business luncheons. Drinking moderately at business meals is acceptable in Germany; in Russia, you are expected to drink to establish closer relationships — though again, in moderation. In France, avoid drinking hard liquor before meals or smoking cigars between courses — the French feel it compromises the taste of the meal.

CNN